SEXTANT: masculinities, sexualities & decolonialities

ABSTRACT

Socio-economic change in Kenya has had a profound effect on gender relations, and of particular focus in this article, the performance of successful masculinities. High rates of unemployment and low income have impacted the ability of the average Kenyan man to fulfil their understood social role as the provider and breadwinner of the family unit, which is paramount in this social arena. This has had deep effects on the social value and identity of men. In order to strengthen this identity, we can see a restructuring of masculinity and the emergence of contradictory masculinities. Wherein ‘un-masculine’ or taboo activities, namely the participation in homosexual sex, is not only legitimised but also recontextualised as proof of manhood. Meanwhile, the change in traditional gender roles in the positioning of women as the new head of the household has led to feelings of inadequacy and insecurity among men. Multi-partner sexual relationships, extra-marital affairs and physically and sexually aggressive behaviour are adopted to reassert dominance over women and re-position themselves internally as the homogenous man. 

KEY WOrDS

Masculinities; Fatherhood; Poverty; Insecurity; Socio-economic change

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